Reviews with content warning for Bullying - Rick

Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Rick by Alex Gino

33 reviews

emerentina's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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emily_mh's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I’ll always love a book with aroace rep and this was no different. Being aspec as a middle-grader is a unique experience, because people dismiss you on the basis of your age - even if they can accept allo kids knowing they’re allo. This is represented here, as is the confusion of trying to understand your aroace feelings in an allonormative world. I will say, and this isn’t a critique, that the aroace rep in Rick is less foregrounded than the trans rep in Melissa. (Again, not a bad thing, just setting expectations.) Instead, the focus here is on friendship.

Gino looks at friendship in two ways. The first is in the toxic friendship Rick shares with Jeff. Rick starts to realise that not only does this friendship make him feel bad, but that Jeff is an all-round jerk. In the meantime, Rick is also finding more positive relationships in the queer community of his school. Seeing this community grow and thrive was a joy, as was seeing Rick becoming more involved in it.

On top of its focus on friendship, the novel displays beautiful intergenerational love between Rick and his Grandpa Ray (who does DRAG!). Both benefit so clearly from this connection. I love seeing these kinds of relationships portrayed in media.

Although Rick claims to be a stand-alone companion novel, I would encourage you to read Melissa first as then both books will pack their full punch.

Rep: questioning aroace-spec MC

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eni_iilorak's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

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black_flamed_candle_b00ks's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book so much! I’m so glad no one got misgendered in this book and I’m so happy about the asexual representation!! This book was executed so well! Definitely one of my new favourite books for sure! I didn’t want to put it down! Perfect!

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ashylibrarian's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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lydiabulmer's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

this is one of the first younger reader books i have read ! it is more aimed at younger readers around the 9-12 range but i enjoyed it ! the cast of diversity in the book is portrayed well and i think the way the book handled bullying and homophobia is really important ! i think shedding the spotlight on being ace, especially in childrens book could really impact the childs life. it is a grest read and i reccomend it !

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